US Central Command said American forces carried out five strikes against Islamic State targets in Syria between 27 January and 2 February, destroying what it described as a communications site, logistics node and weapons storage facilities.
In a statement, CENTCOM said the operation involved “50 precision munitions delivered by fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and unmanned aircraft” as partner forces continued efforts aimed at preventing an ISIS resurgence.
CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper said: “Striking these targets demonstrates our continued focus and resolve for preventing an ISIS resurgence in Syria.” He added: “Operating in coordination with coalition and partner forces to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS makes America, the region and the world safer.”
The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Hawkeye Strike, launched in response to an ISIS ambush on 13 December near Palmyra that killed two US service members and an American interpreter. CENTCOM said the December attack targeted US and Syrian forces.
The command said that after almost two months of operations, more than 50 ISIS fighters had been killed or captured. It also confirmed that Bilal Hasan al-Jasim was killed in a strike in northwest Syria on 16 January, describing him as a terrorist leader linked to the gunman responsible for the December attack.
US forces are very busy. I suppose this will distract them from invading Greenland or Minnesota.